<aside> 💡

2024 was a bold decision year for me—more joy, confidence, reflection, and optimism than ever before!

As the year comes to a close, here’s my personal recap (which, despite AI’s best efforts, still come from the depths of my own experiences 🤣).

</aside>

From Beijing to Ottawa

One of the biggest changes in 2024 was my move from Beijing to Ottawa.

Before arriving, I deliberately managed my expectations. On one hand, I anticipated various inconveniences; on the other, social media’s recent criticisms of Canada didn’t inspire much confidence. However, after arriving, I found Ottawa far better than I had imagined. While humorously nicknamed “Ottawa Village,” it may lack the vibrancy and commercialization of larger cities, but it stands out for its friendliness, inclusiveness, excellent air quality, and beautiful natural environment.

I’m grateful to be here for my Technology Innovation Management (TIM) program, meeting people from diverse backgrounds. The experience has made me happier overall. I also believe that starting with school as a transitional phase is a wise choice—there’s no need to rush or overextend myself.

I’m glad I finally made this move after years of planning, even though there’s still uncertainty ahead. As Ben Thompson shared, “Uncertainty is both the risk and the opportunity, and things are more uncertain than ever.” Let’s embrace the pathless path.

More Confident

In 2024, I became more confident, thanks to feedback from those around me. It wasn’t that my English improved significantly; rather, I learned to embrace boldness and stop worrying about feeling embarrassed. If I don’t feel awkward, others might! Plus, people won’t know what you need unless you tell them. And when it comes to taking action, there’s no need for anyone’s approval—just go for it.

（A funny anecdote: at a recent hot pot gathering, a classmate once called ChatGPT (+1-800-242-8478) and asked why I’m sometimes nervous, sometimes super confident, and sometimes a little dumb. 🤣）

Another factor boosting my confidence was that I produced more content than before, publishing over 12 articles on travel, immigration, past work experiences, and personal reflections. Writing is thinking. While I’m not sure if I’ll maintain this level of output in 2025, I hope to continue sharing personal insights and contributing to my field in meaningful ways.

More Reflection

This year, I continued focusing on a theme that started for me in 2023: efficiency and productivity. Books like Filter World (my favorite of the year), Slow Productivity, and various viewpoints have provided me a clearer understanding of the digital world’s homogenizing effects. They’ve also inspired me to think about how to better adapt to this environment while cultivating my personal tastes.